The point of the sessions, explained Dr. Gerald Boodoo, director of the Center for African Studies, is to examine the challenges to building relationships with Africa-the world's youngest, second-largest and second most populous continent-and to look at strategies to overcome these barriers.

"With DU's strategic focus on Africa, it becomes important to explore some of the conceptions we may have about the continent and its people," Boodoo said. "It is also important to find realistic ways in which academic programs at Duquesne can develop mutually beneficial relationships with the Center for African Studies, its academic programs and Africa."

Duquesne University

Founded in 1878, Duquesne is consistently ranked among the nation's top Catholic research universities for its award-winning faculty and tradition of academic excellence. The University is nationally ranked by U.S. News and World Report and the Princeton Review for its rich academic programs in 10 schools of study for nearly 10,000 graduate and undergraduate students, and by the Washington Monthly for service and contributing to students' social mobility. Duquesne is a member of the U.S. President's Higher Education Community Service Honor Roll with Distinction for its contributions to Pittsburgh and communities around the globe. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the Princeton Review's Guide to Green Colleges acknowledge Duquesne's commitment to sustainability.